Dermoscopy in eczema: A magnified approach to diagnosis and management

Eczema is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition characterized by barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers. The disease manifests in acute, subacute, and chronic stages, presenting diagnostic challenges due to clinical overlap with other dermatoses. Dermoscopy, a noninvasive imaging tool traditionally used for pigmented lesions, has emerged as a valuable adjunct in diagnosing and monitoring eczema. This review explores the evolving role of dermoscopy in identifying disease-specific patterns across different stages of eczema, distinguishing it from mimickers, and assessing treatment response. Characteristic dermoscopic features, such as vascular patterns, pigmentary changes, and scaling variations, correlate with histopathological findings, improving diagnostic precision. Furthermore, dermoscopy aids in detecting eczema complications, including secondary infections and chronic skin changes. While it enhances diagnostic accuracy and disease monitoring, limitations include overlapping features with other inflammatory disorders and the need for clinical expertise. Future research and standardized dermoscopic criteria may further refine its application in eczema management, optimizing patient outcomes through early detection and tailored therapeutic interventions.